There are few places where movie magic comes to life quite like Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
From stepping into a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to shrinking down to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard, Hollywood Studios places guests right in the middle of some of Disney’s most beloved stories. Whether you’re racing through a cartoon adventure with Mickey and Minnie, braving the haunted halls of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, or ending your day with the spectacular Fantasmic!, every corner of the park is designed to immerse you in unforgettable experiences.
While Disney’s Hollywood Studios may be the smallest of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, it’s home to some of the resort’s most popular attractions, world-class entertainment, and exciting expansion projects that continue to shape its future.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Disney’s Hollywood Studios—including attractions, dining, entertainment, character experiences, seasonal offerings, and the latest changes happening throughout the park.
Before You Visit Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the most popular parks at Walt Disney World, and a little planning can make a big difference. Between high-demand attractions, immersive lands, live entertainment, and dining reservations, preparing ahead of time will help you maximize your day and experience everything this incredible park has to offer.
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A Brief History
Disney’s Hollywood Studios officially opened on May 1, 1989, as Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, combining a working film and television production studio with a theme park dedicated to the magic of moviemaking. In its early years, guests could watch real productions take place, tour animation studios where Disney films were brought to life and discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of special effects, stunt work, and filmmaking.
Although the park has evolved into the immersive, story-driven destination we know today, many of its original Hollywood roots can still be found throughout the park. The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! continues to showcase the incredible stunt work and special effects behind action films. Meandwhile Backlot Express serves as a nostalgic reminder of the park’s studio backlot origins.
Today, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has transformed from a behind-the-scenes look at movie production into a place where guests don’t just watch the stories—they step inside them. Whether exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, shrinking to the size of a toy in Toy Story Land, or racing through a cartoon adventure aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the park continues to celebrate the power of storytelling while honoring its cinematic legacy.
Exploring the Lands of Hollywood Studios
Rather than one continuous park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is divided into immersive lands that transport guests into the worlds of their favorite movies, television shows, and adventures. From the streets of Hollywood to a galaxy far, far away, each area offers its own attractions, dining, entertainment, and unforgettable storytelling.
Hollywood Boulevard
Your adventure begins on Hollywood Boulevard, where Disney’s Hollywood Studios pays tribute to the glamour and excitement of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Inspired by the bustling streets of 1920s and 1930s Los Angeles, this beautifully detailed entrance area captures the era when Walt and Roy Disney arrived in California with dreams of building an animation studio that would change entertainment forever.
As you stroll beneath the palm trees and vintage architecture, you’ll discover charming shops, classic Hollywood-inspired details, and the iconic view of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway housed inside the park’s replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Before heading deeper into the park, Hollywood Boulevard is also home to Guest Relations, stroller and ECV rentals, locker rentals, restrooms, and several merchandise locations, making it the perfect place to begin your day.
Take a moment to slow down and appreciate the music, architecture, and hidden details throughout the boulevard. Much like Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Boulevard isn’t simply an entrance—it’s the opening scene to your day at the movies.
Attractions
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Animation Courtyard
Animation Courtyard celebrates Disney’s rich legacy of animation while offering some of the park’s best family-friendly entertainment and character experiences. Originally inspired by the animation studios where Disney artists brought beloved films to life, this area continues to evolve into a destination where younger guests can play, dance, and step inside the stories they love.
Whether you’re exploring Disney history inside Walt Disney Presents, singing along with Ariel during The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, or dancing with favorite Disney Junior friends, Animation Courtyard offers something for Disney fans of every generation. Even more exciting, Disney has announced that this area will continue to grow with new interactive experiences, play spaces, and character opportunities in the near future.
Attractions & Entertainment
- Walt Disney Presents
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live
Character Experiences
- Disney Jr. characters
- Disney Visa meet & greet
- Seasonal characters
Echo Lake
Echo Lake celebrates the golden age of Hollywood while honoring Disney’s rich history of filmmaking and animation. This charming area blends classic architecture, nostalgic details, and some of the park’s longest-running attractions. That makes it a favorite stop for Disney history enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike.
One of Echo Lake’s most recognizable landmarks is Gertie the Dinosaur, the giant green dinosaur who serves frozen treats from Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction. More than just a whimsical snack stand, Gertie pays tribute to the groundbreaking 1914 animated short Gertie the Dinosaur by Winsor McCay. This is one of the earliest examples of character animation and a fitting symbol for a park built around the magic of movies.
Whether you’re laughing along with the storytellers during For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration or watching incredible stunt work at Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Echo Lake offers a wonderful mix of entertainment, nostalgia, and Disney history.
Attractions & Entertainment
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Vacation Fun- An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie
- Meet Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
Dining
- Tune-In Lounge
- Hollywood & Vine (Character Dining) ⭐ My favorite
- 50’s Prime Time Café
- Epic Eats
- Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction
- Oasis Canteen
💡Jessica’s Tip: Don’t miss Walt Disney Presents is one of the park’s hidden gems. Take time to explore the exhibits showcasing Walt Disney’s life, the history of Disney Parks, and previews of exciting projects still to come. It’s a relaxing break from the crowds and one of my favorite places to slow down during a busy park day.
Related Article: Character Dining at Disney’s Hollywood & Vine
Grand Avenue & Commissary Lane
Located between Echo Lake and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Grand Avenue and neighboring Commissary Lane blend the charm of modern Los Angeles with classic Hollywood architecture. Together, these connected areas offer some of Disney’s best dining, popular character experiences, and a glimpse into the exciting future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Whether you’re relaxing with a California craft beer at BaseLine Tap House, enjoying comfort food at the ABC Commissary, dining beneath the stars at the iconic Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, or stopping by Red Carpet Dreams to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, this corner of the park is well worth exploring between attractions.
Attractions
- Star Tours
Dining
- Sci-Fi Dine-In
- ABC Commissary
- BaseLine Tap House ⭐
- Backlot Express
Characters:
- Darth Vader outside Star Tours
- Goofy & Max
- Mickey & Minnie
- Bitsy (Super Kitties)
What’s Changing?
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is once again entering a new era of storytelling as construction gets underway on Monstropolis, an all-new land inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
To make way for this exciting expansion, Muppets Courtyard officially closed in 2025 after entertaining guests for decades. The area had long been home to Muppet*Vision 3D, one of the final projects personally overseen by legendary Imagineer Jim Henson before his passing. Since opening with Disney-MGM Studios in 1991, the attraction became a beloved tribute to Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the entire Muppet gang.
In its place, guests will soon step into the city of Monstropolis, where Mike and Sulley welcome visitors into the world made famous by Monsters, Inc. The new land will feature Disney’s first-ever suspended roller coaster, allowing guests to race through the iconic door vault just like in the film’s unforgettable finale. Additional dining, shopping, and immersive experiences are also planned.
While Disney has not announced an official opening date, construction is well underway, and many fans expect Monstropolis to open sometime around 2028.
Related Articles: What’s Next For Walt Disney World 2026
Toy Story Land
Get ready to shrink down to the size of a toy and step into Andy’s backyard, where oversized building blocks, colorful toys, and familiar faces from the beloved Pixar films surround you at every turn. Toy Story Land is one of the most imaginative areas of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, inviting guests of all ages to become honorary toys in a world where everything is larger than life.
Whether you’re racing around the backyard on Slinky Dog Dash, competing for the highest score on Toy Story Mania!, or spinning through space aboard Alien Swirling Saucers, this family-friendly land is filled with fun, laughter, and playful details around every corner. It’s also one of the best places in the park to meet favorite Toy Story characters, enjoy themed entertainment, and grab a memorable meal.
Attractions
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Toy Story Mania!
- Alien Swirling Saucers
Character Experiences & Entertainment
- Woody
- Buzz Lightyear
- Jessie
- Green Army Drum Corps and Green Army Patrol
Dining
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Table Service)⭐ My favorite
- Woody’s Lunch Box
- Toy Story Spring Rolls (Snack Cart)
✨ Jessica’s Tip: Slinky Dog Dash remains one of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass, I recommend making it one of your first selections or heading here early at park opening to experience shorter wait times.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Welcome to the remote outpost of Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where the Star Wars saga comes to life in one of Disney’s most immersive lands ever created. From the moment you pass beneath the towering rock formations, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the sights, sounds, and stories of a galaxy far, far away. Whether you’re piloting the Millennium Falcon, encountering members of the Resistance and the First Order, or simply exploring the bustling marketplace, every detail has been carefully designed to make you feel like part of the adventure.
Beyond its groundbreaking attractions, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers incredible dining, unique shopping, interactive experiences, and roaming characters that make every visit different. It’s a land where you don’t simply observe the story—you become part of it.
Attractions
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (featuring a new adventure with The Mandalorian and Grogu)
Character Encounters
Rather than traditional meet-and-greets, many of Batuu’s residents roam freely throughout the land. Keep an eye out for:
- Rey
- Chewbacca
- Kylo Ren
- Vi Moradi
- Mandolorian & Grogu
- Stormtroopers and other First Order patrols
Dining
- Oga’s Cantina (Reservations Recommended)
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
- Ronto Roasters ⭐
- Milk Stand
- Kat Saka’s Kettle
Shopping & Interactive Experiences
- Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (Reservations Recommended)
- Droid Depot– build a droid (Reservations Recommended)
- Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
- Black Spire Outpost Marketplace
✨ Jessica’s Tip: Take time to explore beyond the attractions. Galaxy’s Edge is filled with hidden details, interactive elements, and storytelling woven throughout the land. The more you slow down and explore, the more you’ll discover.
What’s Changing
Disney continues to expand the story of Batuu. Recently, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run received a new adventure featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, connecting the attraction to the ever-growing Star Wars universe. Meanwhile, Disneyland has had additional update to Galaxy’s Edge, leading many Disney fans to speculate that similar experiences could eventually make their way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While nothing has been officially announced for Walt Disney World, I’ll continue updating this guide as new information is released.
Related Articles
- A Galaxy Reborn: Massive Timeline Expansion for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Easter Eggs You May Have Missed
Sunset Boulevard
Step into the glamour, excitement, and nostalgia of Hollywood’s Golden Age as you stroll down Sunset Boulevard. Inspired by the iconic streets of Los Angeles, this area captures the energy of movie premieres, theater districts, and the entertainment industry that shaped the original vision of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
From the vintage architecture and classic storefronts to the towering Hollywood Tower Hotel at the end of the boulevard, Sunset Boulevard feels like a journey back to the golden era of filmmaking. However, this area continues to evolve, blending Hollywood history with new Disney storytelling experiences.
Thrill-seekers can experience the legendary The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, where guests enter the mysterious Hollywood Tower Hotel for an unforgettable journey into the fifth dimension. Music lovers can rock along with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, where guests join Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the Muppets on a high-speed adventure filled with music, humor, and unexpected surprises.
Entertainment is also a major part of Sunset Boulevard. Guests can enjoy the Broadway-style production of Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage or experience the spectacular storytelling of Fantasmic!, where Mickey’s imagination comes to life through projections, water effects, special effects, and beloved Disney characters.
Attractions & Entertainment
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
- Fantasmic!
Dining
- Sunset Ranch Market (Quick-Service Dining Area)
- Hollywood Brown Derby ⭐
- Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
✨ Jessica’s Tip: Sunset Boulevard is one of the best areas in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to explore after dark. The glow of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, the energy of live entertainment, and the atmosphere of classic Hollywood make this area feel completely different once the sun goes down.
Dining at Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers guests the opportunity to enjoy dining experiences inspired by classic Hollywood, movie-making, and beloved Disney stories. While this park is best known for its immersive attractions and entertainment, you’ll also find a variety of dining options ranging from quick-service meals and creative snacks to unique table-service experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a themed dining experience, a relaxing meal away from the crowds, or simply a quick bite between attractions, Hollywood Studios has options to fit every touring style. Advanced reservations are recommended for table-service restaurants, especially popular experiences like Oga’s Cantina, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and The Hollywood Brown Derby.
Table-Service Dining
Perfect for guests looking to slow down, enjoy a themed atmosphere, and take a break from the Florida heat.
- The Hollywood Brown Derby – Classic Hollywood-inspired fine dining
- 50’s Prime Time Café – A nostalgic trip back to a 1950s family kitchen
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – Dine inside a vintage drive-in while watching classic sci-fi clips
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Join Andy and the Toy Story gang for a family-style barbecue experience
Character Dining
Enjoy a meal while spending time with some of your favorite Disney characters.
- Hollywood & Vine – Seasonal character dining experiences featuring Disney friends throughout the year
Quick-Service Dining
Great options for guests looking for flexibility while exploring the park.
- Woody’s Lunch Box – Toy Story-inspired comfort food and snacks
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Galactic-inspired dishes in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Ronto Roasters – Grilled wraps and specialty beverages in Batuu
- ABC Commissary – A casual indoor quick-service location
- Backlot Express – Movie studio-themed dining with classic favorites
- Rosie’s All-American Café
- Catalina Eddie’s
- Fairfax Fare
- BaseLine Tap House – California-inspired small bites and beverages
- Sunset Ranch Market – A collection of quick-service locations along Sunset Boulevard
Snacks & Specialty Treats
Hollywood Studios is also home to unique snacks and beverages worth adding to your park day.
- Kat Saka’s Kettle – Popcorn creations and specialty beverages in Galaxy’s Edge
- Milk Stand – Blue and Green Milk
- Hollywood Scoops – Ice cream treats
- Trolley Car Café – Starbucks location on Hollywood Boulevard
✨ Jessica’s Tip: Dining at Hollywood Studios is about more than just the food—the atmosphere is part of the experience. From eating inside a drive-in theater to enjoying a drink in a galaxy far, far away, many locations continue the storytelling long after you leave the attractions.
Related Articles: Your Guide to Dining at Hollywood Studios
Seasonal Events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Throughout the year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates special seasons with unique entertainment, decorations, character experiences, and limited-time offerings. However, the holiday season is when this park truly shines. With its Hollywood-inspired atmosphere, vintage charm, and love of entertainment, the park transforms into a festive celebration filled with glitz, glamour, and holiday magic.
From special after-hours events to seasonal treats and entertainment, Hollywood Studios offers guests a chance to experience the park in a completely different way. If you’re planning a holiday visit, be sure to check the latest event offerings and entertainment schedules when creating your itinerary.
Disney Jollywood Nights
Disney Jollywood Nights brings the sparkle and sophistication of old Hollywood together with the joy of the holiday season. This separately ticketed after-hours event invites guests to celebrate with festive entertainment, specialty food and beverages, unique character experiences, and holiday fun throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, Jollywood Nights transforms the park with dazzling decorations, red-carpet moments, and a stylish holiday atmosphere. Guests can enjoy exclusive entertainment, dance parties, seasonal snacks, holiday merchandise, and the opportunity to experience select attractions with lower wait times during the limited-capacity event.
Related Article:
- Disney Jollywood Nights: Your Complete Guide to Hollywood Studios’ Holiday Party
- Disney’s After Hours Events
✨ Jessica’s Tip: If you love holiday decorations, entertainment, and a more sophisticated holiday atmosphere, Jollywood Nights offers a completely different experience than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. The event is especially appealing for guests who enjoy live entertainment, unique characters, and experiencing the parks after dark.
My Tips
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a park where a little planning goes a long way. With some of Walt Disney World’s most popular attractions, limited-capacity shows, and immersive lands that deserve time to explore, prioritizing your must-do experiences will help you make the most of your day.
My recommendations:
- Arrive before park opening
- Prioritize “must-do” attractions/entertainment
- Use Lightning Lane options strategically
- Check show schedules before your visit
- Slow down in the lands
- Make dining reservations in advance
- Stay for Fantasmic!
Why I Keep Coming Back
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a way of bringing stories to life in a way that feels incredibly personal. For me, this park is filled with nostalgia, memories, and the kind of immersive storytelling that reminds me why I fell in love with Disney in the first place.
As a kid, Star Wars was one of my favorite stories, so stepping into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge feels like entering a dream I never imagined would become reality. Walking beneath the towering spires of Black Spire Outpost, seeing the Millennium Falcon for the first time, and hearing the sounds of Batuu all around you is an experience that brings that childhood excitement right back.
At the same time, Toy Story Land connects me to a different chapter of my life. Toy Story was one of those movies my kids grew up loving, and watching them experience Andy’s backyard, meet Woody and Buzz, and enjoy the attractions that bring those characters to life creates memories that last far beyond the park day.
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation?
Planning a Disney vacation involves much more than simply booking a hotel room. Choosing the right resort, understanding Lightning Lanes, making dining reservations, and creating a touring strategy can make all the difference.
I’d love to help you plan a vacation that’s personalized for your family, interests, and budget. My complimentary planning services are included when you book your Disney vacation with DizN Vacations with Jessica Yashin.
✨ Let’s make your next Disney vacation as magical—and stress-free—as possible!
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